Less May be More in Early Breast Cancer Treatment

Posted by Radiation Clinic on March 29th, 2017

As the trend of more women choosing to treat early breast cancer with complete removal and reconstruction continues, new research is shedding light on the potential pitfalls. The study in question weighed the benefits of mastectomies followed by reconstruction against lumpectomies and radiation. The results show that sometimes less is more considering the risks and costs associated with the more radical intervention.

The study in question involved more than 100,000 patients. Researchers ultimately found that women who had all breast tissue removed were twice as likely to suffer complications than those who opted for lumpectomies followed by radiation. In fact, more than half the women in the mastectomy group experienced complications within two years of diagnosis. Common complications included infections, buildups of fluid, issues with the wound and so on. What’s more, the costs associated with mastectomies and reconstruction surgery are significantly higher. In some cases, women will ultimately pay more than ,000 for the more extensive procedure. Those who face complications could see their bottom line grow by thousands more.

A significant rise in the use of mastectomies and reconstruction to treat early breast cancer has been witnessed over the past few years. The rate climbed 36 percent between 2005 and 2013. Clinicians have also witnessed a near tripling in the rate of double mastectomies with the non-affected breast being removed as a precautionary measure. These figures come even as numerous studies have found no significant survival benefit from taking extreme measures in treating early stage patients.

The growing trend toward more extensive surgery is blamed on a few different things. One factor that may be playing a role is the highly publicized decision by actress Angelina Jolie to undergo radical surgery as a preventative. The co-called Angelina Jolie effect has coincided with the spike. The use of genetic testing to identify women who may be at greater risk for recurrence may also be partially to blame. While these tests can prove tremendously helpful in assisting women and their doctors in determining risk and choosing options like mastectomy to prevent recurrence, some women may be acting without fully understanding the results.

Women who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer are urged to talk with their healthcare providers. The best course of action will hinge on a woman’s particular case and her unique risk factors. Should genetic testing be recommended, women are strongly advised to review the results closely with their healthcare providers before making treatment decisions. When breast cancer is caught early and risks are low, less can be more in the treatment department.

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At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.